Want to change your name? Here’s how – There’s a hilarious episode of Friends from years ago where Phoebe goes to get her last name changed after her marriage to Mike. While filling out the paperwork, she realizes she can change her full name to whatever she wants. Phoebe – being Phoebe – does the unthinkable by changing her name to Princess Consuela Banana-Hammock.
You’d have to watch the episode to see what I’m talking about. Either way, it’s a slapstick way of pointing out the reasonably easy process people can go through to change their adult name.
Why change your name in the first place?
Adults legitimately choose to change their legal birth names for a variety of reasons, from as simple as a last name change following a marriage or divorce to a full name change because of religious and political beliefs.
Some people even change their name because they don’t like their given name. Here are more reasons:
- Combining or hyphenating surnames to form a new one
- Ease of pronunciation or spelling
- Professional or career-related decision (example: performers, actors)
- Transgender name changes
Once a name change is approved, you can use it for all legal purposes. At the same time, changing your adult name does not get you out of any legal liabilities you may be involved in under your original name or undo any rights you already have. It merely allows you to move forward under a new adult name.
What are the steps involved?
To complete an adult name change, go to the county courthouse in the county you currently reside and fill out the necessary forms. These name change petition forms must include:
- Your current name and contact information (including address)
- Whether or not you are subject to the sex-offender-registration requirements
- The reason for the name change
- Your new requested name
- A set of your fingerprints
- Whether or not you object to an associate judge hearing the trial on the merits
- Legal verification
Call Nelson Law Group Today!
People change their adult names for a variety of reasons, and there is a lot more that goes into this conversation. Give our knowledgeable team here at Nelson Law Group, PC a call if you have any further questions regarding this or any other issue. Our team is always available.
Give us a call today! For more information about Brett A Nelson click here.
